Homeowner catches Callaway Co. burglar

Monday, March 4, 2013

A Holts Summit man was caught breaking into a home early Sunday by the homeowner.

Callaway County Sheriff's Department reports show Nelson Barnes, 44, was being detained at gunpoint by the homeowner when deputies arrived on the scene of the incident in the 6400 block of Route O, around 1:35 a.m.

Investigators learned Barnes had run off the road in his vehicle near the residence and walked there.

He reportedly forced open a storm door and began beating on the front door trying to get it open.

The homeowner was awakened and confronted Barnes at the front door with a firearm.

Barnes, who was wanted on a $50,000 Cole County warrant for receiving stolen property, is now facing first-degree burglary, first-degree property damage and stealing charges in Callaway County.

No one was injured in the incident and authorities said there was no evidence of a prior connection between the suspect and the victim.